General Questions and Answers about Poko Loko Early Learning Center

Is Poko Loko Licensed?

Yes. Poko Loko Early Learning Center is a fully licensed center and has been since its inception in 1965.

Is the staff qualified and educated?

Yes. To be a teacher, one must have at least two years of college and six credits of Early Childhood Education. To be a teacher’s aide, one must have at least a high school diploma. All of our teachers and aides meet or exceed these requirements. In addition to education a very important qualification is experience. Our staff is very experienced, and we have very low turnover.

Does Poko Loko accept part-time children?

Poko Loko accepts part-time enrollment for children who are enrolled as Toddlers through Kindergarten. Infants are enrolled on a full-time basis only. Part-time enrollment includes part-time by whole day or by morning only. Whole day hours include any time between 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., while mornings include any time between 6:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Morning hours include our preschool activities and meals including lunch

What are Poko Loko’s hours of operation?

Poko Loko is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

When can I come to tour the center?

We welcome parents and their children to come tour the center any weekday between 9:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. We recommend that you bring your child with you so that both of you can see if our school is right for you.

What days does Poko Loko close?

Poko Loko will be closed in observance of the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, the 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. Poko Loko closes at noon on Christmas Eve and at 5:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Normal weekly payment is due in full regardless of time missed for these holidays.

Do we pay if our child misses a day?

Weekly tuition fees are always due regardless of family vacation or illness. There are no prorations for missed days.

Is financial aid available?

Poko Loko is happy to accept financial aid on a child’s behalf from any authorized agency willing to help out a family in need. Poko Loko does require that the parent of such child pay any remaining balance that is not covered. DHS, or the State of Illinois Department of Human Services, is one of the major contributors to families in need. They can be reached through the following location:

Poko Loko also has application forms on file if you desire to submit one.

Does Poko Loko accept drop-in care?

No. Poko Loko only accepts children who are registered to attend the center on a regular basis.

What does my infant eat during the day?

Babies are all on their own schedules; parents tell us what their child can eat and at what times. Poko Loko provides Gerber baby foods and cereals; parents provide breast milk or formulas in bottles. When a baby is one year old, we also offer whole milk. Your baby’s teachers will keep track of all feedings, diaper changes, naps, etc. on a daily information sheet that goes home with you each evening.

What does my child (toddler age through Kindergarten) eat while at Poko Loko?

Poko Loko provides a hot and nutritious breakfast prepared by our chef for children who are at the center by 8:00 a.m. The children are fed a snack at about 10:00 a.m. and then again after naptime. Snacks may include fresh fruit, yogurt, cheese and crackers, etc., and milk or juice. Children are served a hot, nutritious, delicious lunch every day. Parents may take a copy of our monthly menu to see what we are serving.